Welcome Pass Hike
The hike to Welcome Pass on High Divide Trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes too numerous to count. This hike is rated as hard, with a solid dose of elevation gain to pack in over its moderate mileage. This is the most direct way to reach Welcome Pass. Those who want to tack on a stop by Excelsior Pass on a longer approach can try the Welcome Pass via High Divide Trail.
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Route Description for Welcome Pass Hike
Welcome Pass boasts an amazing view of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. This is a straight-up venture with a lot of elevation gain for the distance. Bring poles and be prepared for a big climb! This trail doesn’t get very busy, though, so you’ll have a good chance of enjoying a bit of solitude.
If you drive to the road maintenance building, you missed the trailhead- it’s not signed. Additionally, definitely bring a good bug spray as this route is plagued by flies.
From the trailhead, you’ll have just a few feet of warm-up before the climbing begins, first with a long eastward traverse and then with lots of switchbacks. It’s steep, it’s tiring, but it’s worth it. Grind through the switchbacks into the meadows, where the views really open up and you’ll be able to catch your breath. From the pass, you can either explore the ridge a little or head directly back down to the trailhead.
Getting to the Welcome Pass Hike Trailhead
The trailhead for the Welcome Pass hike is on Mount Baker Highway.
Route Information
Welcome Pass Hike Elevation Graph
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